Determining the area of the Shatsky lakes by satellite images using the data of the remote sensing

Fresh water, in sufficient quantity and of appropriate quality, is necessary for all spheres of life and is important for sustainable development. The ecosystems associated with it – including lakes, rivers, wetlands and groundwater – provide water and food for billions of people, provide unique habitats for many plants and animals, and protect us from floods and droughts.

In recent decades, as a result of global climate changes and uncontrolled anthropogenic factors: drainage, reclamation, groundwater extraction, construction and agricultural use, significant changes in the state and hydrological regime of water bodies have been observed. There are few regions in the world that are not affected by the loss of potential sources of fresh water supply. Even the best natural tourist decoration of Volyn, the blue pearl of Ukraine, the Svityaz lake was on the brink of disaster, its water area receded from the modern coastline by 30–70 m (Martyniuk V.O., Tomchenko O.V., 2021).

In terms of water resources, Ukraine ranks one of the last in Europe. A good example is the Volyn Region, the main source of fresh water of which is the Shatsky Lakes, which are a single water complex. They are fed by artesian water of incredible purity, which is why you can use it without even purifying it. The largest and deepest lake not only in Volyn, but also in the whole of Ukraine is Lake Svityaz, which is located not far from the Shatsk village.

Since the areas of water bodies change every year, monitoring their condition and solving the resulting problems is an urgent task. The use of data and technologies of remote sensing of the Earth helps in this.